Twenty years ago this month, 2 women were shot and killed in 2 separate Brookline reproductive healthcare buildings, 5 others were wounded. In response to this, Massachusetts passed a law to create buffer zones around clinics that provide abortions, and metal detectors were installed, all in an attempt to keep employees and clients safe. In the summer of 2014, the buffer zone law was struck down by the US Supreme court, and Governor Patrick enacted a new law to ensure safety for those entering reproductive health facilities. As a result of this and the continuous stream of news stories that involve violence against women, Keep Safe Boston was born.

The Boston music community has a long history of pulling together to put on shows and raise money to help causes – from individuals who need financial support to larger organizations that serve the greater Boston community. If there’s a need, Boston bands show up, and show up big. Twenty years ago, a compilation called Safe & Sound: A Benefit in Response to the Brookline Clinic Violence was released to raise funds for organizations that help women in who need it. This inspired Anngelle Wood put out the call to artists to contribute songs to be included on a pay-what-you-can digital compilation when Keep Safe Boston was formed, the songs poured in. Download the 50-song Keep Safe Boston compilation here. It’s a pretty amazing collection of current Boston bands, and as a collection is a beautiful mix.

Wednesday night’s show at Brighton Music Hall will feature hip hop artist Jass Bianchi (above), Boston Music Award nominees Parlor Bells, 2014 Rock and Roll Rumblers The Color and Sound, pop songwriter Corin Ashley, lo-fi grunge rockers Drab, and alt-americana rockers The Rationals. There will be vendors at the show, and raffles for really cool stuff – like tickets to sold out shows – with all proceeds to benefit Planned Parenthood. Wednesday is also Human Rights Day, and was purposefully selected as the date for the performance.

This benefit show and compilation is part of something much bigger. “Keep Safe Boston is a movement to ensure we raise our voices to create a safer, more compassionate community. It is about violence against women, the growing rape culture, human rights issues, domestic violence, dating violence, bullying and more,” says Wood. The KSB team is working with other human rights-type organizations like Amnesty International and local colleges and their safety programs.

Another organizer and WMFO’s On the Town with Mikey Dee DJ Pam van der Feest explains the ‘keeping your friends safe’ ethos that is so familiar to those who are clearing out of a rock club at 2AM:
“At the end of the night, we make sure our friends can get home safe. Do they have a ride? Do they need to be walked to their car? Keep Safe Boston is about instilling this same attitude into the young people in our city. How do we as a city look out for each other?”

As 2014 comes to a close, Keep Safe Boston has its eye on 2015. “KSB will continue to build its voice and presence in the community. My goal is to support like-minded organizations, team with college campuses, local politicians, and directly involve the music and arts community in this mission,” says Wood.

The Keep Safe Boston benefit for Planned Parenthood is on Weds, Dec 10, 2014 at Brighton Music Hall

KeepSafeBoston.org Facebook.com/KeepSafeBoston, and @keepsafeboston on Twitter.

The 9th and final night of the Rock and Roll Rumble is on Friday night at TT the Bears. 2 finalists + 1 wildcard will “battle” it out for the coveted Rumble crown. In addition there will be a special performance by The Information, who participated in 2003’s Rumble. This 35th year of the Rock and Roll Rumble has seen many great bands bring their best to perform night after night. Friday night is sure to sell out, so get your tickets early so you’re not listening from the sidewalk.

The Preliminary rounds of the Rock ‘N ‘ Roll Rumble have (finally) wrapped, and this week the action moves to the Semi-finals. Six bands who won their nights plus 2 wildcards will battle again for the two slots available in the Finals. Thursday and Friday nights, the Rumble continues at TT the Bear’s in Central Square, Cambridge.

Welcome to Thursday, and night 4 of the Rock and Roll Rumble. After a night off, the Preliminary round continues with 4 more bands from diverse musical backgrounds, representing Boston’s music scene in all its glory. One of the great things about the Rumble is that each night of the competition there’s something for everyone. And of course, “competition” is a term used loosely. It’s a showcase, a celebration. Come down to support your favorite band or experience some of Boston’s top bands of today playing their very best. Well worth the money, time and effort – come on down.

By now you should have heard about the legendary Rock and Roll Rumble that started up on Sunday night. For those who are new, the Rumble is the World Series of Boston Rock, played over several nights, where 24 bands compete to be named the winner. Three more nights of Preliminaries remain, and then on to the Semi-Finals and Finals. You have plenty of time to show up, so make plans now. Check out all of the bands here. You’re gonna find your new favorite local band today.

You may know On The Town with Mikey Dee as your Wednesday night radio destination for Boston rock. But this week, on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 8pm, OTTwMD will present The Best of On The Town with Mikey Deeat Radio in Somerville! The night will be full of fun and variety – the best that our local scene has to offer. Read more for the lineup…

We made it to the 2013 Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble FINALS! Friday night at TT the Bear’s. The last night! This is it! Twin Berlin pulled ANOTHER wildcard slot. Boston punk rock legends The Dogmatics are the special guest. That’s 4 bands on a Friday night plus a photobooth to drag friends, strangers and bands into to document your excellent time. This event needs to be experienced; you shouldn’t just read about it on a blog. Plus, how else are you going to buy the Tshirt? Do your music-loving self a favor and click some links and listen to these bands. Music starts PROMPTLY at 9:30, so don’t be late. Finals usually sell out, don’t be late. Doors are at 8:30, don’t be late! Here’s who’s playing:

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble picks back up again tonight at TT The Bear’s. We’re all still feeling many feelings about this week’s events in Boston. Love, hate, disgust, hope…they’re churning around. One of the many things that makes Boston a unique and wonderful place to live is the positive energy that flows from adversity. The Allston Pudding blog put together a mix tape from 130 (!!!!) local bands to benefit The One Fund; TT’s hosted a benefit on Tuesday night to benefit MGH – and you can continue to donate tonight, so you haven’t missed out yet. Come hang with some people, share some amazing music. Tonight’s lineup has 3 winners plus a wildcard band. It’s going to be awesome, and you need some awesome right now. Here’s who you’ll see tonight:

Night 6 of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble went to The Daily Pravda!
6 nights of rock, 24 bands, tons of screaming fans….that’s what this week has been about in Boston. Now we move on to the semi-finals next week. The line up will be announced tonight, along with the wildcard bands. Wildcards have won it all in years past, don’t count them out yet. For a taste of what the Rumble is like, check out Sophia’s Rock Beat for video clips, and Daykamp Music for photos. When you tune in to WMFO, make requests for these bands! Let’s show the world what we got.

If you’ve been reluctant to rock on a school night, that excuse won’t hold up tonight. Night 5 of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble has arrived, and your time has come. Meet us down at TT The Bears to discover new bands, cheer for your favorites and celebrate the scene with other lovers of great music. Several DJs from WMFO were spotted last night. Nice representing, rockers! You never know who you’ll run into at these things. When you go, make sure to check out all the band merch. Bring home a little something to impress your friends. Time to get ready – get your Friday night on right. Here’s who you’ll see tonight: